{"id":548758,"date":"2026-02-01T06:50:38","date_gmt":"2026-02-01T06:50:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/548758\/"},"modified":"2026-02-01T06:50:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-01T06:50:38","slug":"salvador-perez-has-bold-maikel-garcia-world-baseball-classic-prediction-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/548758\/","title":{"rendered":"Salvador Perez has bold Maikel Garcia World Baseball Classic prediction"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kansas City Royals<\/a> catcher Salvador Perez<\/a> is already setting expectations ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/a>, offering strong public support for teammate Maikel Garcia as he prepares for his international debut.<\/p>\n

Perez, who will serve as the captain<\/a> of Team Venezuela, spoke confidently about Garcia\u2019s readiness for the global stage. The endorsement marks a significant moment for Garcia, whose rise with Kansas City has accelerated rapidly over the past year.<\/p>\n

The 25-year-old earned his spot on Team Venezuela\u2019s roster after a breakout 2025 season in which he hit .286 with 170 hits, 16 home runs, 74 RBIs, and 81 runs scored across 160 games, while also capturing his first Gold Glove award. His selection places another Royals player on one of baseball\u2019s biggest international stages and reflects the organization\u2019s growing global presence.<\/p>\n

For the Royals, Garcia\u2019s inclusion further validates recent player development strides and showcases how homegrown talent is earning respect well beyond the American League.<\/p>\n

Locked On Royals’ Jack Johnson shared Perez\u2019s comments on X (formerly known as Twitter) following recent team activities, relaying the veteran catcher\u2019s confidence in<\/a> Garcia\u2019s mindset and preparation as the tournament approaches.<\/p>\n

Asked Salvy about playing alongside Maikel Garcia with Team Venezuela.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s Garcia\u2019s first shot in the WBC. <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m super excited for him. He\u2019s gonna be ready.\u201d #Royals<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jack Johnson (@JohnyJ_15) January 31, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The statement carries added weight given Perez\u2019s stature as a World Series MVP and longtime leader for Venezuela. His confidence helps quiet any remaining questions about Garcia\u2019s ability to handle the intensity and expectations that come with World Baseball Classic competition in Miami.<\/p>\n

For the Royals, the moment underscores a meaningful mentorship dynamic within the clubhouse. Perez has long served as a stabilizing presence in Kansas City, and his public backing of his teammate highlights the organization\u2019s emphasis on trust, development, and accountability. That relationship now extends beyond the regular season into international play.<\/p>\n

Venezuela will open pool play in March at loanDepot park, where Garcia is expected to contribute<\/a> defensively while gaining valuable experience against elite competition. If Perez\u2019s confidence proves accurate, the organization could see one of its emerging cornerstones elevate his profile on one of baseball\u2019s most prominent stages.<\/p>\n